International Day of Light May 16, 2024

Today is the International Day of Light! Held on May 16, the day marks the anniversary of invention of the laser by the American physicist and engineer Theodore Maiman in 1960. This pioneering creation epitomises how innovation can revolutionise society, impacting fields from communications to healthcare. The scope of the celebration extends beyond lasers, embracing light"s presence in every aspect of human existence, from art and culture to science and technology.

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Today in History

Serene waters on a trembling earth
Owl be seeing you ... somewhere!
May 16, 2025Endangered Species Day

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Dec. 2, 2025Whistler, British Columbia
Dragon tails trail to the sea
Apr. 3, 2024Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Oct. 18, 2023Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska
Stealthy pollinators
In the tropics, land greets sea warmly
Perfect, pastoral Palouse
Fresh finds in Fraser Valley
Sep. 13, 2024Point Reyes National Seashore, California, USA
Jun. 19, 2024Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Kenya
Why are blackbirds tied to winter?
Feb. 23, 2025Mount Fuji Day
Add wind, combine with water, and you’ll get...
Sep. 18, 2023Milky Way over Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park
Aug. 15, 2025The Canadian National Exhibition is here!
Jul. 28, 2025World Nature Conservation Day
Jul. 7, 2025Northern gannets, Shetland Islands, Scotland
Floating mailboxes
A shiver of sharks on the hunt
Books are mans best friend
A future built on the past
Aug. 23, 2023Skógafoss waterfall, Iceland
May 30, 2025Little Pigeon River, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, United States
Flying the flag for Pride
A day for giving
Sep. 14, 2023Przewalskis horses, Hustai National Park, Mongolia
Oct. 8, 2025World Octopus Day
A beautiful labyrinth
Dec. 5, 2024Tufa formation on Mono Lake, California, United States
Nov. 2, 2023Death Valley National Park, California